Mr Thembinkosi Ripanga, caterer and chef, serves amazing African cuisines to residents of Ermelo on a daily basis out of the Country Flavours Restaurant.

He began his journey as a chef at MRTT Hotel and Academy in Mbombela where he obtained his qualification as a professional chef.

Mr Ripanga said: “My love for food came when I was a young boy cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen.”

When he was younger he dreamt of being a fashion designer, but he also liked cooking.

“I became a chef because I enjoyed mixing ingredients and trying new things in the kitchen to create delicious food.”

A standout memory for him was being able to host his own events in his hometown, Ermelo.

When the Highvelder asked Mr Ripanga what cuisine he enjoys preparing the most he responded African dishes, because he likes to be different.

“I grew up not valuing African food, but the older I got, the more I fell in love with how you can turn an African dish into something spectacular.”

Read the complete article in the Highvelder.